In one embodiment, a wireless transmitting node in a frequency hopping wireless network may determine whether a packet can be transmitted within a particular timeslot of a frequency hopping sequence based on a length of the packet. If unable to transmit the packet within the particular timeslot, the transmitting node extends the particular timeslot into a subsequent timeslot to allow transmission of the packet within the extended timeslot at a frequency associated with the particular timeslot. Once the extended timeslot ends, the transmitting node and receiving node hop frequencies into the subsequent timeslot to synchronize with the rest of the network that already hopped at the conventional rate. In another embodiment, a wireless receiving node may also extend the particular timeslot into a subsequent timeslot to allow reception of a packet that would extend beyond the particular timeslot, and may hop frequencies upon expiration of the extended timeslot.